"That was short," the King of Alltalos remarked with disappointment.
"Really? Don't blame that on me, it was one of your Alltalosns who lost," King Frederic retorted sharply. The king shut his mouth; his eyes flashed a dangerous color.
Ben could sense the stirring evil from behind the doors; it tried to draw him in. Like the tortured souls crying out for justice. The doors opened before him as the drums were hit. Hadaway stood next to him; his face was contorted in a smug smile. It was just his luck to be partnered with Hadaway's. Of all the stuck up and arrogant retard's, it had to be him. The darkness split before them as they made their way to the middle of the arena. They stood opposite each other, face to face. Hadaway flexed his muscles, showing off his repulsive biceps. Ben heard the crowd screaming Hadaway name...he had won the Millay for five years in a row... The drums pounded suddenly, and the darkness closed in on itself. He heard screaming; a mighty force was banging into his conscience. Dark tendrils of energy wrapped around him, filling him with a sense of emptiness and despair.
But he ignored it. It was that simple. In front of him, Hadaway's was gritting his teeth, sweat was pouring down his forehead as he tried battling the invisible force. He was swinging his swords in random directions, trying to hit Ben. The sword came straight down on top of him. The crowd screamed in appreciation. But Ben caught it, between the palms of his hands. He kneed Hadaway's in a soft spot and wrenched his sword out of his grip.
Hadaway's stumbled backwards, trying not to howl in pain as he bent over double. Ben flipped him over his shoulder, as if he weighed nothing. Hadaway's crashed face first into the ground; he rolled over onto his back. His face was scrunched up with pain. This is so easy. Ben hoisted him up by his feet again and threw him like a javelin across the arena. He heard the crowd yelling and cheering for him. On the other side of the arena, Hadaway's twitched...oops...not unconscious yet.
He'd soon sort that out. Racing through the shadows towards him, Ben drove his dagger into Hadaway's abdomen, making him whimper and writhe on the ground until he went limp. He waited for any signs of movement, but none came. The drums started up again – annoyingly – and the shadows melted away. The pressure was released from his head. Maybe he was kind of cheating in these games. He did have an unfair advantage, since he wasn't fully elf. Though it wasn't like he chose to be a hybrid. It wasn't his fault that he is what he is.
Chapter Twenty-Two
"This is hopeless," she complained, her eyes smoldering. "I can't remember it! Have you tried persuading the King?"
He nodded, though his eyes were troubled. "He won't listen, he's too stubborn. I daren't say anymore, he is already suspicious of me."
She started pacing around the room, muttering. "If only we had that diary – remember? She wrote down everything inside it. But it was lost...But if we find it..."
"It could be the start of a new era..."
"Or the start of the bloodiest war in history."
"Then why do we even bother, if it will start a war?" he asked. She stopped pacing.
"Because, it might not even start a war...it depends on how nature turns."
"So, are we going to continue with this?"
"Yes, but first we need that diary. You must look everywhere. I will search as well." He nodded grimly.
Drip...drip...drip... Kelsie clenched her teeth in aggravation; the constant dripping was seriously bugging her. She tossed and turned in her bed, trying to find a comfortable place on her pillow. Drip...drip...drip... The night air was too humid; she longed to get out of this dungeon. The roof above her felt like it was going to collapse any moment... Drip...drip...drip... She tried shutting her eyes, but her mind was too wide awake. Luke was lying asleep in another chamber, though she could hear his snoring too well. Drip...drip...drip... She couldn't stand this. Kelsie shot out of bed, her eyes adjusting to the darkness.
There was no way she could go to sleep whilst she felt so awake. But there was nothing she could do except pacing around the small room. Standing up, she felt something. It wasn't physical...but it was powerful. Now Kelsie understood what Luke had meant by sensing something. Closing her eyes, she focused on it, clearing her mind of every other thought. It was like looking into a dark expanse...the energy felt like it was sleeping. Not dead...but somehow suppressed. But what was it? Stumbling her way through the darkness, Kelsie found the door to her room and then opened it silently. Drip...drip...drip... A stream of moonlight floated down from the jail windows. Using the light, she carefully opened the door into the dungeon corridor. Drip...drip...drip... The never-ending green fire lit up the hallway, though the walls still felt dark and gloomy as she wandered through them.
The presence was getting stronger by each step, overwhelming her senses. A wash of sea air met her, but she didn't know where it came from. A light gust of wind blew her hair gently, making chains on the side of the walls rattle and clink. Tremors of thrills and excitement flooded into her as she searched for the source of the power. A faint smell of salt was in the air – maybe it was because Alltalos was near the sea...or maybe it was something different. Drip...drip...drip... She was closer now, her eyes managed to see a door through the darkness. There was no turning back now. Whatever was behind that door felt...dangerous. Trepidation filled her as she pushed it. Locked. Why was she even doing this?
The thing behind this door must be something evil or corrupting – otherwise, why would it even be locked up? But Kelsie wanted to know, because she was naturally curious. Simple as that. Drip...drip...drip... Whatever that drip was, she seriously wanted it to stop. Summoning her courage, Kelsie harnessed her magic and released a spell. A burst of white energy wrapped around her hand and latched onto the door. Then the light died down and the energy dissolved in nothingness. Great. It was protected with magic. Kelsie shut her eyes and let loose the biggest spell she could. If Alyssa had managed to put one hundred warriors to sleep, then Kelsie could unlock a door. Suddenly there was a silent explosion of pure white, Kelsie shielded her eyes with her arm, as it lit up the tunnel in a pale ghostly color.
Drip...drip...drip... The door creaked open. Kelsie's heart pounded in apprehension as she snuck into the large prison cell. There were no windows at all, the only source of light was a green fire that burned on a torch. A shadow loomed up against the damp moldy wall. Kelsie's heart leapt in fear, but her curiosity got the better of her. Drip...drip...drip... There was a figure hidden in the shadows. It didn't move one bit as Kelsie crept closer and closer. She cast a small flaming ball of fire in her hand, so she could see... Drip...drip...drip... It was a woman. Was that really it? Kelsie looked closer at her features, serene, beautiful, and dormant. Her skin looked dry...so dry. She didn't breathe, though Kelsie knew that she wasn't dead. A thin white dress clung to her body... Drip...drip...drip... No, it couldn't be. The realization struck Kelsie hard. Drip...drip...drip...
“A Mermaid," she breathed quietly. But how could it be a mermaid? Mermaids weren't supposed to survive on land for more than a day...although this one didn't look exactly alive. A sudden pang of pity welled up in her heart. The mermaids' face was so peaceful, how could she possibly be evil? A memory came back to her. Ferocious emerald eyes, chasing after them. Mr. Brunner's lessons about mermaids were all coming back to her.
They were all evil...they had no soul...they feasted on the flesh of humans and elves... But – but this wasn't right? How could the mermaid in front of her be a killer? She had such a kind face; her features were more compassionate than many elves she had seen. Around the mermaids' wrist were heavy metal shackles, attached to chains that were embedded into the wall. Kelsie stared at the chains, wondering what to do. There was no way she could rescue her; the guards would stop her and throw them both into the dungeons. But...how could she just leave her here? It didn't feel right...but she couldn't do it on her own. Kelsie knew that she wasn't strong enough to carry her all the way to the sea.
She needed help, but whom? Her mind ran through all the possib
ilities. Her father? No, he definitely wouldn't agree to this, since he was somehow friends with the King of Alltalos. Alyssa? No... She wouldn't be able to; Alyssa wasn't able to help her with magic until she was sixteen. Luke? Yes...when he turned elf again, he could help her. But she'd have to wait for another few days until she could ask him. "I'll come back for you," Kelsie reassured, though she wasn't sure if the mermaid could hear. For a moment nothing happened. Then suddenly a warm glow engulfed Kelsie, filling her with warmth and gratitude. Visions floated into her mind, throwing her back into memories.
Chapter Twenty-Three
"Don't go, don't risk it..." a violet eyed woman was saying to her. The images changed into distorted pictures of elves...people...trees... A cheerful curly haired boy was smiling at her. His face was so familiar...
"You know I would do anything for you..." The images and memories blurred, and words muffled in her ears.
"I thought I could trust you – I thought that you loved me -"
"No! Please – I – I'm sorry -" Nausea filled her head, making her feel giddy and unbalanced. And then the light faded. Kelsie blinked, she only realized then that she had been holding her breath. Her hands shook from the shock; she really had not expected this. Kelsie looked back down at the mermaid. A small smile was on her face, though it was the saddest smile she had ever seen. A ball of emotion welled up in her throat. Softly she stood up and left the room, closing the door behind her
Knock, knock, knock. "Who is it?" Alyssa said suspiciously, putting her paintbrush down.
"Uh – Ben..." Oh, perfect. That idiot. Since her bodyguard is off duty today, Ben could easily take advantage of her... The door opened without her even saying 'yes'. So, he was rude as well? What if she were undressing or something? Ben investigated her chambers; a grin stretched over his face. Alyssa stared emotionlessly back at him; her arms folded.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded, as he let himself into the circular room.
"You...er...wanted to draw me and since I've got free time now..."
"I'm in the middle of painting." Ben stepped forward, examining her picture of the flowing waterfall. It wasn't finished and she hated it when people saw any of her pictures unfinished.
"It's amazing."
"You're just saying that," Alyssa said, turning her back to him and picking her paintbrush up again.
"So... shall I go?"
Alyssa thought about that. "No, I still have to draw you."
"Can you stop doing that?" Alyssa looked back at him innocently. "Stop doing what?" "Changing your mind."
"I don't change my mind," Alyssa said, getting up and pulling a plain white canvas from the curved wall. "You go and sit there." Alyssa pointed to the large windowsill and went so low; it almost touched the floor. Ben sat down gingerly, fidgeting with his fingers. "Hmm...No, your shoulders are too stiff – loosen them up slightly," Alyssa told him.
"Sorry," Ben muttered, trying to relax his posture.
"It's...a bit better, remember hold still," Alyssa reminded. Her hand then flew over the plain white canvas, sketching an outline of his face and body.
"So, what is your name, then?" Ben asked curiously.
"Alyssa Chase."
"Oh...uh – that's a nice name..." he said awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck.
"Don't move!" Alyssa commanded swiftly.
"Sorry," Ben apologized and quickly put his hand back of the windowsill. There was a heavy silence. The only sound was Alyssa's pencil scratching out the picture on the canvas.
"Ben...how did you survive all on your own in the wilderness?" Ben bit his lip, as if she was stepping on a perilous topic. He didn't answer for a while, like he was trying to figure out what was safe to say.
"When I was young this woman found me. She lives on her own, though she cared and helped me for my childhood. I don't think I would be here without her," he spoke slowly, in a tone that made Alyssa immediately distrustful.
"What is her name?" Alyssa pressed on, wanting to know more about him. Ben paled slightly. He was looking anywhere but Alyssa's eyes.
"Uh – you wouldn't know her anyway," he was such a bad liar.
"That's not an answer," Alyssa said. She put her pencil down and stared piercingly into his eyes.
Ben laughed nervously. "Not like it's any of your business."
So, he was using that defense? Alyssa scowled at him. "I'm the Princess of Mylvehil, it is my business."
"Uh – no it's not, princesses are not supposed to interrogate random people. It's not in their job description," Ben shot back at her.
"You obviously don't know anything about an empire, then?" Alyssa said glaring at him, furiously. "You could be a threat to the kingdom."
"I'm not, though," Ben told her.
"But you haven't proved that! I don't know what side you're on – you could be a secret assassin for all I know!" Alyssa stood up from her chair, her stormy grey eyes terrifyingly bright.
Ben stood up to face her. "I'm nothing like that. Why can't you just trust me?"
"Because...uh – you're so annoying!"
"Why am I? What have I done that's annoying?"
For once in her life, Alyssa was stumped. She really didn't know what to answer; all her thoughts had disappeared. Leaving her feeling lost in a mist of emotion. "I...I... don’t know..." She said quietly.
He was standing close to her...their noses were inches apart. She could smell his sweet salty breath, just like an ocean breeze. "Then stop getting angry," Ben replied softly, gripping her hands. A spark of energy flew through her body at the small contact. She looked dazedly up at his face; her heart beat quickly. If she leaned up ever so slightly, her lips would be on his... Alyssa snapped out of it; she hated feeling weak like this. Letting her emotions get the better of her, leaving her senses behind. She pulled her hands out of his and left her own chambers.
All she wanted was to get away from him; Alyssa knew it would do her no good to even feel this way. She was getting married soon...why was she feeling like this to another boy? Alyssa promised herself that she was going to be faithful to Prince Tristan, even if she didn't like him. There was no way she was going to cheat on him. Ever. So, she slammed the door behind her, without looking back at Ben. Her picture was discarded, but she didn't care. Until Ben had left her chambers, she wasn't going back in. She ran quickly down the staircase and made her way into the walled gardens at the back of the palace gardens. The fresh air was calming for her as she breathed it in. The beautiful shrubbery and design of the gardens lay out before her, the peaceful sound of a fountain hummed in her ears. The walled gardens in front of her were built up with stone but held a secret treasure of plants inside.
Pushing open a gate, Alyssa took in the serene view of the garden. She remembered coming down here all the time when she was little, her and Kelsie would play amongst the flowers and trees for hours. A shimmering pond was lying at the center of the garden; its sapphire blue water glittered in the sunlight. She sat down cross legged by the side and stared at her reflection. And she sat there, just listening to the sweet song of the birds, staring into the dark waters. Why was everything so complicated? Why did she have to get married to someone she didn't know? The more she thought about it, the more she realized just how alone she felt. Alyssa has plenty of friends, but none of them were proper friends...just ones that she would occasionally chat to, but she wouldn't tell them anything personal to them. The only person she truly could trust was Kelsie.
But Kelsie was so independent; she had no need for Alyssa anymore. She felt like Kelsie has changed, she didn't know why. Alyssa rarely hung out with Kelsie anymore, she only saw her in lessons, but she never smiled. She only stared at Alyssa suspiciously and mistrustfully. Out of all things, Alyssa hated being alone the most. "Alyssa." She ignored him. Her heart clenched painfully for some reason.
"Go away," she told him, not even looking round to see him. Instead he disobeyed her and sat down by her side. Alyssa could see his perfect
reflection in the still water.
"What do you want?" Alyssa asked, still staring at the water. All boys wanted something if they kept pestering girls.
"I just wanted to see if you're ok...and you're not, obviously," he said, though his voice wasn't angry like she expected. It was kind...the kindest voice she had ever heard before... She felt him brush a loose tear off her cheek. When had she started crying? The thought of her showing weakness felt embarrassing, although with Ben it felt almost comforting... "It's ok to cry," he said, reminding her of the first time she met him.
"I... I’m just...scared," she said as she gazed at her reflection. "I don't know who to trust, I just...want someone to depend on..." her voice sounded so small. To her surprise, she felt strong arms wrap lightly around her.
A beautiful warmth spread through her...and for once in her life, she felt at home. Completely at home. "I'll always be here for you," Ben said tenderly.
"Promise?"
"I promise."
Chapter Twenty-Four
Leo shut the diary and placed it carefully on his bedside table. The shouting had started again in the other room next to his, it was making his head hurt painfully. Why couldn't they shut up? He tossed and turned on his bed, trying to drown out the noise.
"- spend all your time with friends – flirt with loads of other boys that you don't even know-"
"It's not like I'm being serious! I don't mean it at all – you know that I love you!" a more feminine voice shouted just as loudly.
"How do you expect me to believe that? You never spend any of your time with me and if you are, you're gossiping about your latest crushes – I'm your fiancé-"
"Well I'm sorry if you can't accept me for who I am," the girl literally screamed back. "It's not like I still sleep with random guys." There was silence. Leo sighed in relief. He could finally relax. Low sounds started up again from the room, Leo groaned at the annoying voices. Didn't they know it was the late evening? Hopefully the manager would go up and tell them off...
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